There currently exists a chronic shortage of nurses in all sectors of the health care industry.   The shortage is not only in hospitals, but also in clinics, convalescent homes, and home care facilities.   There are legal, federal and state laws that dictate the nurse/patient ratio necessary to operate legally.   Even if the legal requirement is achieved, nurses still get sick and need to take vacations, which leave the facility short staffed and forced to look elsewhere for help.

Nursing registries maintain a database of nurses that work for them, either on a part time or full time basis.   When alerted to a need at a particular facility, the registry searches their database and finds a nurse to fill the position.   Due to the nature of the position, i.e. short notice, temporary, the registry is able to charge the hospital a premium rate for the labor they are providing.   The registry then pays the nurse a higher wage than he/she would earn if they were employed by the hospital.

This service is a win win situation, the facility is able to cover the staffing needs, the nurse gets paid a premium wage and the registry makes a profit.   Nursing registry offers a relatively easy start up, immediate return on your investment as well as the opportunity to grow.

The nature of this business makes it possible to operate out of your home.   It is not essential to spend capital renting an office.    Although not necessary,  a nurse, or someone in the medical field would understand all aspects and benefits of a nursing registry.   There is a fair amount of planning and preparation required in order to set up a registry:

Marketing - you will find there are several local and national companies already doing business in your area.   Do not be discouraged, most nurses register and work for several registries.  You will need to meet with and present your registry to all hospitals, treatment facilities, clinics, convalescent homes and home care facilities in your area.   Providing a qualified staff and a reliable and credible service will soon build a successful registry.

Legalities - You will find that there is a considerable amount of paperwork attached to your business proposition.    There are countless resources available but in short, you will need to apply for:

• Business Licenses
• Insurances - Liability/Malpractice/Workmen's Compensation/Bond
• Taxes

Recruitment - You will have to embark on an aggressive advertising campaign in order to recruit sufficient qualified nursing staff to operate a successful nursing registry.